Employment Specialist

Life Care Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Care Inc. seeks a dedicated Job Coach to support individuals with mental health conditions and disabilities in achieving competitive, integrated employment in the Washington, DC area.

You will work with clients, employers, and interdisciplinary teams to provide individualized employment support, including resume development, interview prep, and workplace soft skills, in accordance with RSA, DDS, and ACA guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling or related field.
• 1–2 years of experience with mental health conditions or disabilities preferred.
• Experience in supported employment or vocational rehabilitation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job coaching and employment support to clients with mental health conditions and disabilities.
• Assist clients in job readiness, including resume development and interview preparation.
• Support clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in integrated settings.
• Conduct on-site and community-based coaching to reinforce job duties and workplace skills.
• Collaborate with employers to implement reasonable accommodations per ADA.
• Coordinate with RSA, DDS, and other referrals for continuity of care.
• Document services in line with DBH and Medicaid requirements.
• Monitor client progress and provide feedback to the team.
• Assist clients with problem-solving and workplace adjustments as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation and follow agency policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Life Care Inc. is a dedicated Mental Health Provider and Certified Core Service Agency serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Accredited by the Joint Accreditation Commission, our agency provides diverse, person-centered programs, including therapeutic services, housing support, and employment assistance.

Role Description

Life Care Inc. is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Job Coach to support individuals with mental health conditions and disabilities in achieving competitive, integrated employment. This position plays a vital role in promoting independence, skill development, and long-term job retention for individuals receiving services under the Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (MHRS) program.

The Job Coach will work directly with clients, employers, and interdisciplinary teams to provide individualized employment support in accordance with best practices and applicable regulations, including the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) guidelines, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job coaching and employment support to clients with mental health conditions and disabilities
• Assist clients in job readiness, including resume development, interview preparation, and workplace soft skills
• Support clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in integrated work settings
• Conduct on-site and community-based coaching to reinforce job duties, workplace expectations, and interpersonal skills
• Collaborate with employers to ensure reasonable accommodations are implemented in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA)
• Coordinate with RSA, DDS, and other referral sources to ensure continuity of care and service alignment
• Document all services in compliance with DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and Medicaid requirements
• Monitor client progress and provide ongoing feedback to the Employment Specialist and clinical team
• Assist clients with problem-solving, conflict resolution, and workplace adjustments as needed
• Maintain accurate documentation, manage time effectively, and follow agency policies and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with individuals with mental health conditions and/or disabilities
• Experience in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce development preferred
• Knowledge of RSA, DDS, and ACA guidelines and disability rights
• Strong understanding of workplace accommodations and employment support strategies
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team

Core Competencies

• Client-centered and strengths-based approach
• Knowledge of disability services and employment supports
• Effective communication and advocacy skills
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Cultural competence and professionalism

This position involves a combination of office-based, community-based, and on-site work environments, including employer locations throughout the Washington, DC area.

Compliance Statement

All duties must be performed in accordance with DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) regulations, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) guidelines, Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA), and Life Care Inc. policies and procedures.